Meredith Vieira Makes Big Announcement; Decides to Leave 'Today'

Rumors swirled for weeks but Meredith Vieira confirmed the news this morning to make it official. The Today co-host announced during the broadcast that she is leaving the show in June, “her second home,” to spend more time with her family.

An emotional Meredith told viewers (via PopEater), “After months of personal reflection and private conversations between my family and my friends, I’ve decided to leave Today in June.” For the past five years Meredith has co-hosted the top-rated morning show and has decided to focus on valuable time with her husband who has multiple sclerosis and their three children. Matt Lauer added, “We all feel blessed to have spent the past five years with you. Meredith is universally adored….We will miss you like crazy.”

So, who will take over Meredith’s spot? Ann Curry will fill her shoes and Natalie Morales, formerly an NBC correspondent, will occupy Ann’s vacant spot at the news desk. A choked up Ann called Meredith a “gift to this broadcast” and says she feels like “the high school computer nerd who was just asked to the prom by the quarterback of the football team.”